Treatments used to prevent and treat male pattern baldness, the difficulty in finding a permanent cure for hair loss, and the potential financial motivations of companies not wanting to find a cure.
A 26 year old female diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia who is interested in treatments such as spironolactone, finasteride and Minoxidil to help her hair loss but is worried about side effects like muscle gain, sex drive and effectiveness.
The user has used oral Dutasteride and Minoxidil for two years without regrowth, despite trying Finasteride and supplements. They consider increasing Minoxidil, adding microneedling, and switching medications, while others suggest RU58841, a hair transplant, or checking for other hair loss causes.
A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.
User started balding at 16 and began treatment at 18, using RU58841, minoxidil, derma rolling, and peptides. After 6 months, they experienced significant hair regrowth and are happy with the results.
Jordan-Iliad has been using a combination of finasteride, minoxidil, stemoxydine, microneedling, saw palmetto, peppermint and jojoba oils, ketoconazole shampoo, and Purador shampoo/conditioner for 3 months to treat their hair loss with stunning results. They have also recently started taking oral minoxidil 1.25mg/day in hopes of achieving even better results over the next 3 months.
A user's experience using dutasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, vitamin D, scalp massage, exercise, and avoiding vaping and 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner to treat hair loss; they also discussed the side effects of finasteride.
A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.
The conversation discusses natural methods for addressing male pattern baldness, with the original poster using a plant-based diet, herbs, scalp massages, pumpkin seed oil, and dermapen treatments, while avoiding pharmaceuticals like minoxidil and finasteride due to concerns about side effects. Other users suggest that pharmaceuticals like finasteride may be necessary for significant hair loss, but the original poster remains committed to natural approaches.
User shared 5.5-month progress using 0.5mg finasteride, 5% minoxidil, 1.5mm microneedling weekly, and 20mg RU58841, with positive results and no side effects. Others discussed their experiences, dosage adjustments, and the importance of age in treatment efficacy.
The user is experiencing diffuse androgenic alopecia and is trying various treatments, including 5mg finasteride, loniten, and Formula 82D, which contains dutasteride, a steroid, and tretinoin. They report potential regrowth with Formula 82D, despite previous treatments being ineffective.
A female with PCOS and androgenetic alopecia is starting treatment with oral Minoxidil, topical Minoxidil 5% with finasteride, and plans to add mesotherapy. She previously tried anti-androgenic contraceptive pills but couldn't tolerate them and is using Myo Inositol for weight management.
A user is deciding between starting oral finasteride with topical minoxidil or using topical finasteride and minoxidil due to concerns about side effects. They plan to use derma rolling weekly to enhance treatment effectiveness.
A 25-year-old man was prescribed dutasteride for early genetic balding, but he is concerned about its cost and potential side effects compared to the more common and cheaper finasteride. He is unsure if starting with dutasteride is necessary or if he was scammed, and seeks advice on whether to switch to finasteride.
The FDA warned that topical finasteride can cause serious side effects like sexual dysfunction and brain fog, similar to oral finasteride. Compounded topical formulations pose additional risks due to lack of regulation.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is considered expensive and may not provide significant benefits, with some users suggesting alternatives like finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling. Many users report limited success with LLLT and similar treatments, recommending more proven options instead.
The user "natiggiz" shared their early progress in filling in bald patches using topical finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, ketoconazole, and derma stamp. Other users commented on the great results and expressed jealousy.
A 24-year-old male has been using 5% minoxidil for five years and recently added 0.025% topical finasteride to his routine. He noticed some improvement in his crown area but is considering stronger treatments like oral finasteride or dutasteride for better results, especially on the temples.
Creatine may increase scalp DHT without affecting serum DHT, potentially speeding up male pattern baldness (MPB) for those genetically prone. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
A 27-year-old male started using topical finasteride (0.25%) and minoxidil (5%) once daily, along with supplements like zinc, magnesium, biotin, and vitamins C and D. After initial concerns about side effects, he experienced temporary ED and shedding but now feels better and has no regrets about starting the treatment.
A user who reported positive results from using 1.0mg Finasteride daily and 1.5mm Microneedling every two weeks for eight months, as well as advice about adding Minoxidil to further improve the regrowth process.
User 36 years old, receding hairline, tried minoxidil, Nizoral, dermarolling, alfatradiol, revivogen, and spiro cream with limited success. Two dermatologists refused to prescribe finasteride. Others shared experiences and suggested finding a different dermatologist.
A 29-year-old male diagnosed with male pattern baldness was prescribed Minoxidil with Azelaic Acid but not Finasteride due to a history of mild depression. He is considering getting Finasteride online without waiting for a 3-month evaluation and is questioning the cost of his Minoxidil prescription.
A 31-year-old man with androgenic alopecia is considering treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo but is worried about finasteride's side effects. Users recommend starting with finasteride or dutasteride for DHT blocking, suggesting topical solutions to reduce side effects.
A user has been on finasteride for a year and minoxidil for six months, with no noticeable progress. They also use dermarolling and rosemary oil but are frustrated with the lack of results.
27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.
Liposomal carriers for topical finasteride offer better targeting, reduced side effects, and less irritation compared to alcohol-based solutions, but availability and cost may limit their use. Minoxidil can dissolve in liposomal carriers, enhancing delivery and stability.
Dutasteride can be prescribed in the U.S. through online services like Dr. B, HiDrB.com, and PushHealth, or by finding a willing dermatologist or PCP. Many users report success with these methods, often at low costs with insurance.
A user shared 5 months of progress using 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg minoxidil, showing before and after pictures. Other users complimented the results and discussed their own experiences with similar treatments.